The Alters: A New Sci-Fi Adventure to Explore Today

On June 13, 2025, gamers can dive into The Alters, a groundbreaking sci-fi survival game from 11 Bit Studios, the creators of Frostpunk and This War of Mine. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Xbox Game Pass, the game introduces players to Jan Dolski, a space miner stranded on a hostile planet. Facing lethal radiation from a nearby sun, Jan must create alternate versions of himself—called Alters—to survive (Wikipedia).

The Alters stands out by blending survival mechanics with emotional storytelling. Players use Rapidium crystals to generate Alters, each embodying a different life path Jan could have taken, complete with unique skills and personalities. These Alters, voiced by talents like Alex Jordan, bring conflict and depth, as players manage their relationships and emotional baggage while making life-or-death decisions (PCGamesN).

Gameplay revolves around piloting a massive, wheel-shaped mobile base to evade the deadly sun, while exploring and mining resources to expand the base. Similar to Fallout Shelter and XCOM, players build infrastructure like electricity pylons and attach new modules to enhance survival odds (Game Informer). Early previews praise the engaging resource management and narrative depth (Shacknews).

The game’s emotional core sets it apart, exploring themes of identity and regret. Each Alter’s distinct personality—shaped by Jan’s past choices—forces players to confront the consequences of their decisions, a signature of 11 Bit Studios’ storytelling (FemaleFirst). Reviews from outlets like TheSixthAxis and GamesRadar+ call it a standout, with scores of 9/10 and 10/10 (Steam).

Initially slated for 2024, The Alters faced delays but is now polished for its June 13 release (Windows Central). Its day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass makes it accessible to a broad audience, boosting its potential impact. With no plans announced for Nintendo Switch 2, the game targets ninth-generation consoles and PC (Wccftech).

As players explore this innovative survival adventure, The Alters challenges them to balance strategy with human connections. Its unique premise and critical acclaim position it as a must-play title in 2025, offering a fresh perspective on the roads not taken.